The 2026 United States Open golf tournament begins on Thursday from Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Long Island, New York. This will be the sixth time Shinnecock has hosted the U.S. Open. The course previously hosted the tournament in 1896 (won by James Foulis of Scotland), 1986 (won by American Ray Floyd), 1995 (won by American Corey Pavin), 2004 (won by South Africa’s Relief Goosen) and 2018 (won by American Brooks Koepka).
It is no secret. Shinnecock is tough and the USGA loves it that way. When Floyd won, his winning score was -1. Pavin won with a score of even. Goosen won at -4, and Koepka won at +1.
Scottie Scheffler
The world number one is a four-time major champion, but is still looking to win the U.S. Open for the first time. Scheffler’s best result was the 2022 United States Open when he was second to England’s Matt Fitzpatrick at Brookline. There is one question here. We know Scheffler does great on easy courses. How does he do on difficult courses?
Rory McIlroy
The world number two from Holywood, Northern Ireland has not won the U.S. Open in 15 years where he destroyed the field and beat his nearest opponent, Jason Day of Australia, by eight strokes. McIlroy also shot an amazing -16 at Congressional. Even though McIlroy’s game may not be in top shape, as he has not won since the Masters, I like the fact he did not play the Canadian Open last week. That gives his mind and body time to focus for the third major of the year.
Jon Rahm
The world number eight is the best on the LIV Tour, and had a history of being competitive at majors. Rahm won the 2021 United States Open, and the 2023 Masters, and has been in the top 10 at a major 16 times in his career.
